Health & Wellbeing

Nearly three-quarters of older adults and individuals with disabilities in Virginia receive services and supports in their homes and communities, forcing them to rely on an unpaid caregiver. By 2030 the number of potential family caregivers will decline from 7.2 to an estimated 4 family caregivers for every person age 80 or older – a 55% reduction since 2010.

Over one million Virginians take on all the ultimate labor of love to be caregivers for their loved ones, which is why AARP wants to help make this big responsibility a little easier. So they are teaming up with the Arlington View and Nauck Community Area Churches to present a “Caregiver’s Breakfast.”

Winter is a difficult time for senior home-bound neighbors, some having to choose between heat and food. AARP Virginia and LOA want to help make their lives easier by ensuring their shelves are stocked with soups and other non-perishable food items. All it takes to make a difference is to start a collection then drop off the non-perishable items to a drop off site from February 6-10.

Family caregivers spend an average of nearly 20 percent of their income providing care for a family member or other loved one, according to a new AARP Research Report, “ Family Caregiving and Out-of-Pocket Costs: 2016 Report.” The report shows that family caregivers spend an average of $6,954 in out-of-pocket (OOP) costs related to caregiving, with Hispanic/Latino and low-income family caregivers spending an average of 44 percent of their total annual income.

You might not be able to teach old dog new tricks but, if you’re a job seeker, you might be surprised what lessons you can learn from a puppy!

VirginiaNavigator, a statewide non-profit that provides free web-based resources for older adults, people with disabilities and their families, announced today the launch of the newest addition to its family of websites: VeteransNavigator.org. The comprehensive website – designed to serve and help Virginia veterans – was made possible thanks in part to a $100,000 grant from Dominion Resources, parent company of Dominion Virginia Power.

By Sue Lindsey

AARP Richmond North Chapter #5356 has teamed up with AARP Virginia and the Fifth Street Baptist Church to present the Thirteenth Health and Wellness Fair. This year’s theme is “The gift of CAREGIVING – One of Life’s Surprises.”

AARP Chapter #5309 is hosting its monthly meeting at 10 a.m. on October 19 at the Windsor Ruritan Clubhouse, located on 14 Community Drive, Windsor VA 23487.

10.7.2016